By Plenary Sessions: Lauri Laats
Total Sessions: 14
Fully Profiled: 14
2025-09-25
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
The majority faction is critical of the increase in consumption taxes and other changes to the tax system; it seeks to reduce consumption taxes on foodstuffs and emphasizes the need to support the fulfillment of basic needs. Critical of the coalition’s economic policy, the faction argues that the current tax burden structure is inequitable and increases inequality; it highlights the impact of inflation and the rising cost of living, and stresses the necessity of stimulating the economy through lower prices for essential commodities.
2025-09-24
Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, plenary sitting.
The primary emphasis is placed on budget and funding transparency and the realistic assessment of expenditures; it criticizes the projected maintenance costs and finds that funds should, if necessary, be directed toward main routes, the road network, and regional connectivity. It is skeptical regarding the economic viability of major projects and stresses that the actual requirement is controlled costs and a realistic budget.
2025-09-24
15th Estonian Parliament, 6th sitting, press briefing
Supports policies aimed at improving living standards and the demographic situation (e.g., subsidizing housing for young families); there is no precise discussion regarding the tax or general fiscal regime; emphasizes the need for targeted implementation of social spending.
2025-09-22
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
The issue stands as a major concern for the local economy and infrastructure: specifically, high ferry ticket prices and their impact on the Saaremaa/Muhu economy, corporate profitability, and the funding of regional development. The text stresses the need for transparency and a review of economic considerations (such as procurement costs, the new ferry project, and air transport services), citing examples related to the labor market and resource utilization (i.e., labor shortages). It also references state budgetary support and the regional effects of investments.
2025-09-18
15th Estonian Parliament, 6th sitting, plenary session.
Seeks to guide the economy and the housing market toward better functioning through reforms: pro-active measures that will make loans cheaper and more accessible, and which introduce the proposals of the Bank of Estonia and the Financial Supervision Authority. While it emphasizes the issues of loan costs and real estate prices, it does not present detailed fiscal plans—instead, the focus is on the rapid implementation of reforms. It highlights the significant role of market functioning and trust.
2025-09-17
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting.
The economic representation emphasizes the protection of entrepreneurship and the importance of competition; this is coupled with a critical attitude toward the expansion of green policies and the financial and regulatory burden placed on companies. One group of speakers seeks to ensure equitable treatment and effective market operation, while others highlight the necessity of prioritizing service quality and the interests of employers. The general stance is pro-business, characterized by a cautious approach toward regulators.
2025-09-17
Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, press briefing.
A critical assessment, ranging from moderate to skeptical. It raises concerns regarding the pursuit of cost avoidance and efficiency, specifically mentioning a €35,000 fee for a private development service and the utilization of "taxpayer money." It is critical of the impact of tax increases on the economic environment and stresses the necessity of thorough analysis before decisions are made. It demonstrates a preference for an evidence-based approach and aims to avoid cost-driven and unnecessary allocation of private funds.
2025-09-16
Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, plenary sitting.
Concerning economic policy, it emphasizes the importance of evaluation criteria and impact analyses before implementing tax hikes or other financial decisions. It strongly opposes significant increases to car tax, income tax, and VAT without appropriate analysis, highlighting the negative effects these changes would have on people's ability to cope financially. It calls for forecasts and short-term and long-term scenarios, developed through analysis involving the private sector, in order to prevent instability and adverse economic effects.
2025-09-15
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting
In the context of the economy, the focus is placed on fiscal transparency and the impact of taxes on the population. It is stressed that an unreasonable uniformity of tax rates could be detrimental to national productivity and the revenue equilibrium of local governments. Furthermore, concern is raised that turnover and taxation practices should not negatively affect incomes or regional economic specificities.
2025-09-11
15th Riigikogu, 6th plenary sitting
Focus on reducing consumer loan costs by simplifying refinancing; highlights the importance of regulatory proposals and the need for government progress.
2025-09-10
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
Economically critical yet reform-oriented: the party opposes tax hikes and the constant flux of the entire tax system. It seeks to reduce the social tax (from 33% to 20%) to incentivize youth employment, while ensuring health insurance coverage is maintained. Furthermore, it stresses the importance of improving business competitiveness and easing loan and property costs for young families. The platform emphasizes the need for an efficient and less complex tax system, and critically examines the impact of current tax policy on the people of Estonia.
2025-09-10
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, press briefing
From an economic perspective, the raising of taxes and the overall tax system are being criticized, as they impact food prices and consumers. A desire has been expressed for analyses regarding the impact of these taxes on the economy and people's livelihoods, and the need for transparency is being emphasized. The tax spree is allegedly focusing on the harmful effects it has on consumers and the economy.
2025-09-08
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
The focus is on economic themes, including the rapid growth of unemployment, the decline in employment rates, and wage disparities. There is criticism regarding tax policy (the car tax was mentioned previously) and an emphasis on the need for sustainable regional investments. It presents approaches designed to improve youth employment, including the idea for a draft bill on tax incentives for young workers, and support for increasing regional equality.
2025-09-04
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
Economic policy tends to prioritize consumer interests and increased competition (for example, reforms concerning mortgage refinancing, fostering competition among banks, reducing consumer costs—specifically, lowering the VAT on foodstuffs—as well as debating labor and employment mechanisms). Concurrently, criticism is leveled at taxes and the state budget, emphasizing the necessity for transparency in both funding and expenditures. Furthermore, there is criticism regarding the rising costs of food and energy, coupled with a demand for impact monitoring.